Agenda - 10-07-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item 3 Our Current Agenda At the most recent meeting of the Friends of The New Hope Steering Committee, a number of goals were adopted to serve as guide to our activities over the next year. This is our agenda: 1. Work to ensure that the four jurisdictions adopt the Open Space Master Plan as official policy. Judging from recent events in Orange county (landfill) and Durham county(Laurel Hill), this cannot be accomplished too soon. 2. Expedite the establishment of a permanent Advisory Committee which can guide the jurisdictions in their execution of the Open Space Master Plan. 3. Push for conversion of the old sewage treatment plant on 15.501 into a city park as described in the Master Plan. 4. Push for purchase of land along Sandy Creex as described in the Master Plan. 5. Extend the Stream Watch program. There is the potential for 3 groups to be operating in the New Hope Corridor by this time next year. 6. Use the new video of The. New Hope to educate the Durham and Orange county communities on the history, value and promise of the stream. 7. Set up a phone tree that can be used to mobilize individuals quickly when needed. $. Establish Eyes and Ears, individuals who will watch for activities or plans on the part of governments or individuals that could impact on The New Hope. 9. Establish a library of all planning documents, reports, maps and other material pertinent to making the Open Space Master Plan a reality. This library will be maintained in the TLC office in Research Triangle Park, where it will be readily acces- sible. In addition, we should all promote discussion of a better vision for the Triangle, one which, though recognizing the need for development, insists that the inherent aesthetic and ecological values ofrttral and natural areas be givena leading role, protected by local government. This is a very ambitious set of goals. If we are to meet them, we will need active participation by a lot of people. Please look over the list of committees to your left and call the contact person for the one that best fits you. How to Protect a Stream Friends of the New Hope held its Annual Spring Gathering on March 30, 1991, at the Mldtfield Road Community Center. Over 60 people attended the morning session which featured Dr. George Constants as guest speaker. Dr. Constantz, an ecologist visiting from West Virginia, spoke about the preservation of river systems. Using his experience with the North and CacaponRivers, Dr. Constantz described those features of any river that require special attention. The take home message: 1. Protect the banks! Keep a tree buffer of at least 100 feet j on either side of the stream for its entire length eliminate motor vehicle access to the stream. Cover exposed banks with plants and trees This prevents silt build -up that can threaten the whole aquatic food chain. 2. Protect the water! Eliminate livestock actress to the stream. Monitor the output from sewage treatment plants. This helps keep the e.coli count to a minimum. 3. Meet the landowners! A stream can only be preserved with the cooperation of those who own the land adjacent to it. Join with the landowners to teach local governments the true value (beyond real estate) of the stream. After a brown bag picnic lunch, several of the participants took advantage of a break in the weather to hike along the stream as it runs though Duke Forest. Interpretation was provided by David Cook Others observed a Stream Watch sponsored by the New Hope Audobon Society. A fall gathering is planned, although theme and location are yet to be decided. If you would like to participate in the planning, call Gary Evans at 489 -5285 after 8:30 p.m. The NEW HOPE VIDEO IS HERE! The long awaited New Hope Creek video is now available at local libraries or from members of the Steering Committee. Producedby NaturVision ofRaleigh, the twelve minute cassette is narrated by well-known author Reynolds Price, and features local music by Dulcimer Dan, the Badgett sisters and Durham's Willie Trice. It tells the story of the creek as it flows southward from Orange county, through Duke forest, under the boulevard and I-40 until it reaches Jordan Lake. It tells the story of the long record of human settlement along the creek and gives a close -up view of the flora and fauna which thrive in this extrordinary MEMBERSHIP in the TRIANGLE LAND CONSERVANCY ❑ $1000 Patron ❑ $100 Guarantor El S500 Benefactor ❑ $25 Contributor ❑ $50 Supporter ❑ $15 Subscriber Name Address Telephone (day) (Evening) Date Q Interest in the FRIENDS of THE NEW HOPE Checking the box above makes you a member of both the Friends and TLC